Western's Initiative for Scholarly Excellence (WISE): Tuition-free University Course
Please apply HERE.
Attention Grade 11 and 12 students:
High achieving students may be eligible to take one course tuition free at Western University concurrently with your secondary school studies.
What type of courses can I take?
- Click here to see Undergraduate Program descriptions.
- The range of subject areas is wide, including: Astronomy, English, Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology, Math, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Biology, Philosophy and more!
- Click here to see course descriptions for the available courses.
Additional Points:
- Eligible students may take a maximum of 1.0 full or two half courses (0.5 credit) tuition-free at the 1000-level.
- Prerequisites (if applicable) for the university course must be satisfied prior to beginning the course.
- A course may be taken at Western's main campus, at one of the Affiliated Colleges (Huron University, and King's University College) or by distance studies.
- Credit for the course studied in this program may be applied towards a degree at Western if a passing grade was atttained in the university course and you satisfy Western's admission requirements.
- This is a competitive program with a limited enrolment of 100 students. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee acceptance to the program.
- We encourage applicants to apply well before the deadline due to demand for the program.
- Students in their fifth year of high school studies will be considered for the WISE program. However, spaces are limited, and preference will be given to students registered in Grades 11 and 12.
- Please review our application requirements before applying.
Contact Information:
WISE Program
Lissette Ochoa
E-mail: lochoa2@uwo.ca
WISE Application Requirements
What do I need to qualify?
In order to qualify, you will have:
- Full-time student status with a high school diploma in progress
- Completed a minimum of 22 credits
- Completed one or more Grade 12 U or M level credit(s) with a minimum overall 80% in grades 10 and above, or have not completed any Grade 12 U or M level credits with a minimum overall 85% average in grades 10 and above
- Registered in sufficient courses to fulfill admission requirements of the University
- Met Western's requirements for English proficiency
- Been nominated by the Principal or Guidance Counsellor of your secondary school
What type of students apply to the WISE program?
Students who:
- Are seriously considering attending university
- Want to investigate areas of interest to better plan future university studies
- Are able to take a course on campus (day or evening) or by distance studies; exams are to be written at one of six centres
- Reside in Ontario at the time of their application
WISE Application Checklist
Please review the application information listed below. It contains instructions to save you time and ensure the Scholars' Programs office receives all the necessary information to assess your eligibility for this exceptional opportunity.
- Read the WISE application requirements and ensure you are eligible for the program and have all the necessary application information available for input.
- Access your most recent high school grade report and enter all your grade 11 or 12 U/M high school credits with your final grades on the online application.
- You must complete the form in full - remember the application will not save any of your data unless you complete the entire form fully.
- You must then submit a copy of your final high school transcript via email, fax, or regular mail for verification.
- Review the first year course listing and timetable - ensure you have the high school prerequisite for the Western course(s) of your choice (you should select a minimum of two options). Also ensure the course time works with your high school and personal schedule.
- Begin to plan for your WISE Summer Academic Orientation appointment and confirm attendance with the Coordinator.
- Prepare for your WISE Summer Academic Orientation appointment: confirm course choices, ensure you have government-issued photo identification to have your Western ONE card (student card) printed, and organize transportation to Western for your WISE appointment.
***If you are completing the WISE application and do not have all of your final grades, please note that you are permitted to provide your midterm grades. Final decisions regarding acceptance to the program will be communicated to students once final transcripts have been received in the summer***
If you have any questions, please contact lochoa2@uwo.ca.
WISE Participant Resources
Resources
Welcome to WISE. This page just has a link to the resources you will need.
- WISE Student Handbook
- Western Timetable
- Distance Studies Info
- Western Library
- Learning Development & Success
- Campus Rec Membership
- UWO Building Acronyms
- UWO Campus Maps
- Western U Classfind
- Shows you how to get to your classroom
- Parking
- Western Technology Services
- Information if you're having trouble logging on or with any of Western's website and technology services.
Useful links for Courses
Time Commitment
Please remember that this WISE course is an intensive commitment and professors often recommend that you will be spending 3 hours on course related tasks for every 1 lecture hour. So you can expect to spend an additional 9 hours outside of class time on course related work every week.
Orientation
All students participating in the WISE program are required to attend a mandatory orientation and check-in; the only expection is for students who live outside the greater London area.
Summer Orientation
At this orientation, you will obtain your student card, receive academic counselling, and register in the course(s) of your choice. You will also meet other WISE students and learn more about the services and opportunities that are offered at Western. Please note that while we offer two dates for the Summer Orientation, you only need to attend one.
Fall Check-in
The Fall Check-in will be held in October. You will receive further information about this orientation by email as the date approaches. During this time you will have the opportunity to attend a check-in meeting with Lissette Ochoa, Academic Advisor, Pre-Degree & Pathways.
Checking Enrolment
To see which course you are registered in, follow these steps:
- Log into Student Center
- Click "My Weekly Schedule"
Student ID
At the orientation, we will help you activate your Western identity and enrol you in your WISE course. You will also have your ID Card photo taken and receive your student card; please bring 2 pieces of government-issued photo ID. Click here for more information about the student card and required ID.
Your ONEcard lets you access Western's services, such as the Western Student Recreation Centre, Western Libraries, and you can use it to pay at our many campus eateries. More information on the meal plan can be found here. To add money to your ONEcard click here.
Having Difficulties?
Please contact Lissette Ochoa, Academic Advisor, Pre-Degree & Pathways (lochoa2@uwo.ca) for all questions and concerns related to academic advising.
FAQs
Is a final transcript of my current year required?
Wait for your final high school transcript and enter all your grade 11 or 12 U/M high school credits with your final grades on the online application.
When will I hear if I've been admitted to the WISE program?
Admission decisions will be communicated by email after the admission deadline. Due to the demand for this program, we encourage you to apply before the deadline.
How many students will be admitted to the program?
A total of 100 students may register in the program each year.
When will I know what courses are offered?
Enclosed with an admission letter will be course descriptions and timetable information. You may choose courses from those offered during the day (classes meet 2-3 times per week), evening (classes usually meet one night per week from 7:00-10:00 p.m.), or distance studies (online). Your course may be offered at the main campus or at one of the affiliated colleges (Brescia University, Huron University and King's). WISE students are eligible to take courses numbered 1000-1999. Course descriptions can be found at Western Timetables.
English is not my first language. Can I still be in the WISE program?
In order to be in the WISE program, you must meet Western’s requirements for English Language Proficiency. View these requirements.
Do I receive Western student identification?
Yes, after you have been assigned a student number, you may then obtain a Photo ID card, which will also be your library card. You can visit Student Central for more information
I want to choose something that will help in my first-year university. Is there help available in choosing this course?
Yes, academic counselling is available through the program coordinator or from the Registrar's Office at Huron and King's.
When will I know if I've been accepted into the course I want?
Once your registration is processed, an email confirmation will be sent to you.
Can credit for the WISE course be applied toward my degree?
A WISE course can be applied toward a Western degree should you receive a passing grade in that course and if you satisfy Western's admission requirements. Other universities have accepted WISE credits as well; check the policies of the universities that interest you.
The cost of tuition is waived, but are there any other costs involved?
The WISE program covers tuition, however any supplies or textbooks are the responsibility of the WISE student.
WISE Testimonials
“The WISE program was a fantastic learning experience. It gave me the opportunity to develop my study and time management skills, while building my confidence in my academic ability. I would recommend it for any senior student who’s looking for the chance to experience learning in a university setting.”
- Sarah Arnold
“The WISE program allowed me to pursue an interest not available in high school. I was able to learn at an engaging pace, discover & explore a new field of study, and learn about the university experience. Being able to immerse myself in a subject that I love was truly incredible, and the highlight of my school year. And of course, there’s no better preparation for university courses or exams than being in them yourself.”
- Daniel Vorotyntsev
"I took a course through the WISE program in my grade twelve year. It was an amazing experience. Thanks to WISE, I feel very prepared as I enter into full time university in the fall. I was able to learn so much in my class and also just about university in general (everything from student cards to email accounts!) The WISE team continually reached out to me to make sure I could succeed. I definitely recommend the WISE program to anyone interested in exploring university studies."
- Anonymous
